[Hawkins85]

I'm looking to possibly replace my Q40's since one of the drivers died and my dealer is holding them for an indefinite amount of time. I was wondering if anybody who may have experience with both the Q40's and the M50's could tell me just how much disappointment I should expect with the bass performance on the M50's going from the Q40's. I particularly refer to the ability of the Q40's to go to extreme volumes (headroom) without distortion at the low end, levels where the HD650's pancake with distortion during the cinematic experience. Do the M50's come close to the Q40's with their near unlimited capacity?

Thanks!

 

[1Time]

I can tell from your post and FWIR about these two headphones that you'll be better off with the Q40. Here is a search for you.

 

[Hawkins85]

Thanks for the response, the biggest problem I have with the Q40's is I don't think they last, I've been without a working pair of these for twelve days now and I'm not coping that well. I don't know if & when I'll get a working pair back, there isn't another pair available to buy at present either. As comfortable as I have been with the Q40's, I sold on the HD650's so I don't even have them to fall back on for the time being.

I was familiar with the four way comparison by Pianist but as with most reviews/comparisons it doesn't really describe the maximum reach that these headphones have before distortion.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkins85 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was familiar with the four way comparison by Pianist but as with most reviews/comparisons it doesn't really describe the maximum reach that these headphones have before distortion.

Right, which seems to be all the more reason to stay with the Q40. I suggest buying another with a warranty from an authorized retailer, a place you can trust. Maybe also buy DT770 pads from Headroom to mod your new Q40. And then sell your old Q40 after it is received. Or, just buy something inexpensive to keep you occupied until you get your original Q40 back, like maybe the RX700 for ~$35 shipped.

 

[Hawkins85]

Thanks, I've asked Pianist directly on that thread, so I'm hoping they'd either be compared favourably enough or ultimately rubbished in definitive favour of the Q40's.

Yeah, the RX700's are looking to be the ultimate quick fix, if my dealer doesn't get back to me on Monday I may buy them then.

 

[Hawkins85]

Okay, M50's rubbished, the Q40's remain my sole, unrivalled budget bass master.

 

[Hawkins85]

Can any of the AKG's compete? The K171 MKII for instance.

What can maximum input ratings tell me? M50's allow a maximum of 1200mW whilst the K171 MKII will only allow 200mW, the DT770's only allow 100mW, is this a helpful indication of their capacity for louder volumes or bigger/more impactful bass without distortion?

 

[Hawkins85]

Reaching a little higher in the price ranges, the Ultrasone Pro 550 surely stomps on the Q40 right?

 

[1Time]

It's a matter of preference, not a stomping match. The question is whether you would prefer one or the other. You already know you like your Q40, but the 550 is an unknown to you. Some may prefer one, and others prefer the other. I used to own the Proline 650. If choosing between the Pro 550 or Q40 with Beyer pads, I'd buy the later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkins85 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Reaching a little higher in the price ranges, the Ultrasone Pro 550 surely stomps on the Q40 right?

 

[Hawkins85]

I'd prefer a longer lasting Q40 really, an extended higher frequency range would be a plus. The 550 have bigger drivers than the 650 if that means much.

 

[1Time]

If going Ultrasone, FWIR, I suggest considering the HFI550 (DJ1). Without hearing the headphones first, I wouldn't choose an Ultrasone over the Q40 unless I planned on listening primarily to bass heavy electronica. And that's because that's the music I enjoyed most with my Proline 650.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkins85 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd prefer a longer lasting Q40 really, an extended higher frequency range would be a plus. The 550 have bigger drivers than the 650 if that means much.

 

[Hawkins85]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wouldn't choose an Ultrasone over the Q40 unless I planned on listening primarily to bass heavy electronica. And that's because that's the music I enjoyed most with my Proline 650.

I get the impression that Ultrasones are bass bloated in general then, I like that the Q40's pack the punch but are still balanced to a professional\studio standard....

 

[jageur272]

People shouldn't give recommendations on things they haven't heard...

 

[1Time]

No, the bass of Ultrasones is known to be tight and extended, the best I've heard in this regard. I suggest searching and reading about the HFI550 or DJ1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkins85 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I get the impression that Ultrasones are bass bloated in general then, I like that the Q40's pack the punch but are still balanced to a professional\studio standard....

 

[1Time]

I agree, and I would never recommend headphones that I've not used. However, making suggestions based on what I've read and experienced with other headphones, no problem. And many have found such suggestions quite helpful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jageur272 /img/forum/go_quote.gif People shouldn't give recommendations on things they haven't heard...